Mike Evans 'extremely confident' Baker Mayfield stays with Bucs - ESPN

TAMPA, Fla. — Wide receiver Mike Evans says he is «extremely confident» that Baker Mayfield will be back in Tampa Bay, despite the quarterback and agent Tom Mills still trying to work out a deal to re-sign with the Buccaneers.

The NFL's negotiation period opens Monday, when other teams will be permitted to contact Mayfield and attempt to sign him.

«I mean, I'm extremely confident,» Evans said Friday. «I'm not 100 percent, but he played really great for us last year, the city took him in, the players loved him — hopefully we get him back. But he should do what's best for him.»

Evans, 30, officially re-signed with the Buccaneers on Friday, with sources telling ESPN this week that the wide receiver reached a two-year contract with a base value of $41 million and a possible maximum of $52 million.

He said he checked in with Mayfield while contemplating his next steps and said it did play a role in him coming back for an 11th season in Tampa Bay.

«Me and Baker, we played one season together. I feel like we can build on what we did last year, so hopefully we get him back,» said Evans, who was on the receiving end of 13 touchdown passes from Mayfield. «He's a hell of a player. I appreciate him. They're going to handle their process, and I trust [GM] Jason [Licht] and the front office no matter what happens.»

If Mayfield doesn't return? Evans said, «I know I can play with whoever's at quarterback. Obviously I hope it's Baker, but if not, I can make it work.»

Licht said the sides have «had good conversations» when asked about discussions with Mayfield's camp.

Sources have told ESPN that the negotiations have been moving along «slowly,» but with no indication of any hiccups. Licht said he is prepared to be «on-call» throughout the